Yoga Teacher Training

Level 4 Diploma in Teaching Yoga

British Wheel of Yoga Teacher Training in London

Attending the British Wheel of Foundation Course, prior to teacher training is recommended and allows you to delve deeper into your personal practice and understanding of Yoga Philosophy before learning to teach. Our next Foundation Course begins in April 2020. Please see here for more info: BWY Foundation Course 1

BWYQ 500hr Level 4 Diploma in Teaching Yoga ​If you have experienced the benefits of Yoga and feel passionate about sharing this amazing practice with others, this course is for you This in-depth course covers asana, anatomy, pranayama, meditation and philosophy. Throughout the course you will deepen your personal practice and most importantly learn how to safely and effectively teach Yoga and gain all the skills needed for a long lasting and rewarding career as a Yoga teacher.

Lead Tutor: Hana SaotomeHana has been teaching Yoga for over 14 years as her full time occupation. She originally trained and danced professionally before coming to Yoga teaching which influences some of her approach in terms of somatic movement and flow. She has studied numerous styles and traditions of Yoga including, Iyengar, Ashtantaga, Vini Yoga, Yin and Restorative. In addition to her training with BWY over the years, she has trained with Uma Dinsmore Tuli in Womens Yoga Therapy and Pregnancy Yoga, Birthlight in Postnatal Yoga and The Satayanda School Yoga Nidra.

​*There will be other BWY visiting tutors offering shorter sessions on some topics.

The British Wheel of Yoga Qualifications

BWYQ awards Ofqual-regulated yoga teacher training qualifications at Level 4 in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). This is the highest level of yoga teacher training available in the UK.

BWYQ Level 4 Diploma in Teaching Yoga

Validated by the British Wheel of Yoga recognised by Sport England and The Sport and Recreation Alliance

Level 4 in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), regulated by Ofqual, this is the highest level available in UK.

A 500hr Yoga Teaching Qualification.

The group size is capped at 16 students to ensure each student has proper teacher contact and mentoring

Spread over 18 months to allow time to learn and absorb the course material

Start teaching during the course so you are fully supported in taking your first big steps

Fully insured as a student teacher to start teaching publicly during your course.

A non dogmatic approach. Students are encouraged to find their own voice and style of teaching

Course Location

Islington Arts Factory is a lovely Community Arts Centre. This grade 2 converted church building has many of its original features and although it is old it has great character and charm. The large studio space has a beautiful high ceiling. We are fully equipped with mats, blocks, blankets, bolsters and belts. There is a cafe area where tea and biscuits will be available during the breaks.

Islington Arts Factory is on the Parkhurst Road/Camden Road one-way system.Tube: The nearest tube is Caledonian Road (one stop after Kings Cross) on the Piccadilly Line and a short walk.​Bus: You can also get a short bus (5-10 minutes) on 29 or 253 from Warren Street, Euston or Finsbury Park, on the Victoria Line or from Camden on Northern Line. Other buses that stop outside are: 4, 17, 29, 43, 91, 153, 253, 259, 271, 279, 359

Islington Arts Factory, 2 Parkhurst Rd, London N7 OSF

Course Dates

Saturdays 1.30-8.30pm starting from September 2020​Exact dates TBC

Course Fees

Please get in touch for more info on course fees and payment plans available.

How to apply

Pre requisites: You must have at least 2 years experience of regular attendance to Yoga classes and preferably a dedicated home practice. Completion of the a BWY Foundation Course would be ideal.Please complete the form below to register your interest and be invited to the introductory session/interview.

Further Recommended Reading

There will be a further recommended list given out during the introductory day, with some books to browse through too.

BWY Diploma in Yoga Teaching - Course Units

The following units will be covered throughout the length of of the course in form of lectures, practical and physical workshops, small and large group work, practice teaching time, exercises for learning and discovery. All subjects are delivered to suit the variety of learning styles in a supportive and positive and non competitive environment.

Unit 1 - Yoga Anatomy and Asana

Applied Anatomy and Physiology and the teaching of Asana

The principles and practice of teaching Asana

De-construction and analysis of key poses, their core alignment points and how to teach them

Practical anatomy & physiology, including conditions you may encounter when you teach

Vulnerable areas of the body and preventing injury

Props and modifications to ensure an inclusive approach

Safe and effective sequencing, including the staged approach and counter pose

How to make sensitive adjustments

Unit 2 and Unit 3- Teach Basic Breathing and Relaxation

Yoga breathing practices and relaxation

The principles and practice of teaching Yoga Breathing and Relaxation techniques.

Learning to teach a range of guided breathing and relaxation techniques.

Areas of caution and safe practice

Progressive development of the practice

Understanding and communicating the benefits of breathing and relaxation techniques in your teaching

Unit 4 - Planning and Delivering Yoga Classes

Planning and Delivering Yoga Classes​

How to set up a Yoga class

Essentials of setting up your own yoga business, self employment and marketing

Creating a lesson plan that is suitable for all

Delivering the lesson plan (teaching the class)

Creating a course plan that includes Asana, basic breathing practices and relaxation.

Evaluating and building from your experience​ and feedback

Unit 5- Responsibilities of a Yoga teacher

Planning for teaching and the roles and responsibilities of a Yoga teacher

Common issues arising out of a teaching practice such as covering classes, teaching one to one and groups

Legal responsibilities

Risk assesment

Essential record keeping

Apply the BWY Safeguarding of children policy to Yoga classes

First aid training (external)

Ethical practice

Unit 6 - Teaching Skills and effective communication

Learning styles, teaching skills and effective communication

Finding your voice as a teacher

Learning to observe the physical body in motion and being sensitive to the individual

Holding the space and creating a suitable environment for a Yoga class

Making the class accessible to all learning styles

Providing motivation and encouagement

Appropriate boundaries for a Yoga teacher

Unit 7 - Philosophy of Yoga and Pranayama

The Philosophy of Hatha Yoga and Pranayama

​The History of Yoga

Study of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Yoga Upanishads.​

The Pranic Systems

Principles and practice of classical Pranayama, Mudra, Bhandha and Kriya

Integrating these concepts and philosophy safely and appropriately into a Yoga class.

Unit 8 - Philosophy and Meditation

The philosophical texts of Yoga and integration of key concepts into a Yoga Class

Study the key text of Patanjalis Yoga Sutras

Study of the Bhagavad Gita

Different approaches to meditation, personal and experiential teaching practice

Integrating the philosophical principles into a class

Leading a guided meditation

Unit 9 - Progression in Yoga

Progression in Yoga - teaching experienced students

​How to progress and support students towards a more advanced practice of Yoga